The "Safe Return" Programme has been implemented by the Victoria Police in association with the Alzheimer's Association Victoria and VicSafe. It is a separate programme from the Senior Citizens' Register. Both programmes are there for the benefit of senior citizens however, the "Safe Return" Programme is designed specifcally to help individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias to be returned home safely following an episode of wandering.

This voluntary registry houses vital information about the person at risk, together with a photograph and is stored confidentially on a police database. Should an individual be found wandering or reported missing, the information can be accessed by police to assist identification and a speedy "Safe Return."

Alzheimer's Disease is a degenerative brain disorder that destroys vital brain cells. It is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia most often occurs in people over 65 years of age, but can strike adults at any age.

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and is not just memory loss. Eventually, it affects all aspects of a person's life - the ability to think, understand, remember, communicate and perform simple tasks.

While each person experiences different symptoms, some behaviours are common. Wandering is a typical behaviour exhibited by people with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia.

Many individuals who have dementia like to keep moving. They may be focused on going to a particular place, or roaming aimlessly. This movement is often to referred to as wandering and can happen during the day or night. Sometimes, the behaviour leads the person outside their home where traffic, bad weather and unfamiliar surroundings can lead to danger.

Caregivers can help reduce wandering which may become dangerous by offering the person a safe place for continuous movement. Exercise and other activities can also be helpful, keeping the person busy and using restless energy.

However, wandering can still occur and registering the individual with the "Safe Return" programme and name tags on the neck of clothing provide peace of mind for the caregiver as well as other family members.

1. Obtain an application form from your nearest police station or contact the

Frankston Police on (03) 9784 5608.

2. Complete the form with as much detail as possible.

3. Obtain a recent photograph of the person with the dementia.

4. If you live on the Mornington Peninsula return the form with the photograph to

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